10 Things 2014 Taught Me

 

Ten Things 2014 Taught Me

 

 

1. The necessity of having meaningful relationships

2. You can only fly if you jump
3. The value of me time
4. Peg Legs Do Look Good in Knee High Boots
5. Kids do grow up

6. Be vulnerable

7. Life is not always about you

8. Every answer can’t be solved by Googling it
9. It’s A Waste of time questioning God
10. If You Haven’t Found a Reason to Die, Your Aren't Fit To Live

I hope this inspires you to reflect, take some time to reevaluate this year and how you can become better, reach your destiny and become all of what God made you to be.

-Lady Jenn

Trusting God's Timing

I will be the first to admit, that on countless occasions I have been guilty of wondering “how long??”, “when!!!??”, “oh for real now??” I find myself questioning God and his sovereignty to be GOD in my life. Trusting God’s timing doesn’t always come with ease, especially when you want things to change NOW! Our prayers sometimes go like this, “Lord, could you please get me this new job now, or take the heart ache away now, or send me to another state for a new start, or for my single ladies, I really would like to get married and begin starting a family yesterday!” Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads like this, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven” Reciting, meditating and resting in this promise provides peace and offers a different perspective of which we are presently faced with. Our 20/20 sight can only see so far up the road. God is omniscient and has the ability to see why the death of a loved one had to happen right when it did, why that relationship had to end, and why our dreams haven’t fully developed into the master plan we have envisioned.

These naïve cries are sometimes rooted in the belief that what we are praying for will never happen. The question, “Why isn’t it happening?” can be answered by looking in the mirror and realizing that God is really being patient with YOU! II Peter 3:9 reads, “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you…” Did you catch that? God’s delay has nothing to do with His ability to make things happen, but everything to do with you becoming what He needs you to be for the release to happen. Delay does not mean denial. When we find ourselves on the treadmill of life, wishing and hoping, and becoming weary because things are not happening as fast as we would like them to, we have to look in the mirror then get on our knees and ask God to show us:

1.       What we need to work on?

2.       Where we need to make any adjustments, whether it is in our heart or actions?

Sometimes we can accelerate the process through our obedience and do what He’s been prompting us to. You may REALLY want to be a home owner, but lack the discipline to save and spend wisely. You may want a friend or family member to “get it” and start making better decisions, but YOU haven’t been the consistent expression of love and positive example for them.

When you find yourself looking at the clock or calendar, wondering when is the Lord ever going to come through, remember these two simple truth remains, GOD LOVES YOU (John 3:16) and IS INTERESTED IN YOUR SUCCESS (Psalm 35:27). God will not withhold what is due to you, what you need and what will help you fulfill the call on your life. It is our job to seek him, come into agreement with His plan for our life and that includes His timetable for our life as well. Stay encourage, God is interested and vested in your success. When you shine, He shines!

The Search for a Simple Life

I dare to believe that I am the only woman who awakes in the morning to a mental checklist of the numerous things that need to be conquered on this day. Before my feet have even reached the ground I am strategically arranging the hours of my day and methodically creating gas-saving routes that will make my day most productive.

At times, we can be so busy that we don't know what to do, where to start or how to conquer. Just recently, I became a bit bogged down with "the life" I always hoped for. You know the husband, kids, business, clients and other outlets that my unique gifts are being utilized.

God in all His Sovereignty, had the audacity to remind me of a powerful passage in His word. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY YOKE upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 NIV

Jesus instructs us to take upon HIS yoke, not selfish ambitions, nor the yoke of things that are not aligned with our purpose. At the end of the day, we must say YES to God's plan, mission and direction for our lives. When we place yokes of "trying to please others", yokes of trying to "fit in" and yokes of other people perspectives of us we become burdened, weary and wanting to give up.

Jesus offers to His children peace that comes from knowing He was a great plan for your life, joy that is anchored in knowing that if God is for me then who can be against me. We can learn a lot from Jesus, He instructs us to learn from Him. How we can use wisdom to decline responsibilities that will detour us, using wisdom to say "YES" to the things that seems taxing, but can be life-giving.

Although our lives can be complex, God has a simple plan for us to maintain balance and create a sense of peace and purpose for what we do. Following God's instructions promises prosperity and fulfillment. We will begin to decipher truth from fact, and purpose from pain. God came so we may have an abundant life, a life that really matters when all is said and done.

Today choose the path that is narrow, the path others will neglect to follow because it will cause you to be disciplined, selective and committed to living for Christ. Proverbs 14:12 reads, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Simplify your life so it glorifies God and brings joy, peace and fulfillment.

**I cam across this helpful tool to simplify my day and keep things in perspective.**

Favor Anyone?

I just had a light bulb moment. You know when 1+1 finally equals 2?

Whether you deem it favor or grace, its one of the highest commodities in Christiandom. So many of us want FAVOR with the Lord. Technically its contingency has nothing to do with our behavior, what we get wrong or right. But here I am scanning through his Holy word and I Peter 2:19-20 shares how we unequivocally can obtain favor from the Lord and its found when we do right, even we we are wronged. Talk about "the big pay back"!

The Lord will repay us for our obedience. When we neglect our flesh to get the last word or letting the other person know how we REALLY feel and simply submitt to authority. As the old adage goes "there is a blessing in your pressing." Pressing through persecution, injustice and pain only to obtain a great gift from our awesome God in the form of FAVOR!

Favor is when we get what we dont deserve and couldn't pay for ourselves. Doesn't that sound like the opposite of what may have just happened to us? Here we are someone dodging us and we refuse to go there with them. In turn we are blesswd with something WE DONT EVEN DESERVE. I dont know about you but I need a dose of favor EVERYDAY!

So when you recieve the call to walk in favor, know its going to cost you something, but the reward is some much greater, something you couldnt do for yourself, its the favor of God.

I'm Covered

Just the other day, I had to take my cell phone in for service. In order for them to see what the issue was I had to uncover the phone from the case which kept it safe. When I received the phone back I noticed how clean and brand new it looked. This fresh look was not because, the technician gave it a quick buff or that the sales associate exchanged it for a new one, it was simply because the phone had been COVERED.

Every time it fell face forward on the hard cement, thrown across the room like a football, or stepped on, it had made it through these turmoil situation in tack simply because the phone was covered.

I couldn't help but to make the parallel between my phone and being covered by the blood of Jesus Christ to this scenario. Literally, I would be a millionaire if I had a dime for every time I personally failed horribly, was stepped on spitefully, or my emotions were tossed like a ship during Hurricane Katrina. I am extremely grateful for being covered by God's loving arms. Psalms 91:4 reads, "He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield." Even when we aren't faithful, God is!! The Lord warmly invites us back into his fortress of security and forbids the thing that is trying to take us out to deplete us. Refuge in anything but Jesus is a complete setup for failure. Following our selfish desires, and not heading to the promptings of the Holy Spirit leads us directly away from the comfort we desperately desire.

I encourage you today to make your bed underneath the warmth of our sweet Savior, Jesus Christ. The psalmist declares, "Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of wicked people." (Psalm 84:10). When you are overwhelmed with the harsh reality of life, or you find yourself in a season of victory, remain covered by His amazing grace.

Allow this song to touch you and serve as a reminder of God's love and awesome covering

*********************************************************************************

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and you would like to today. Pray this prayer

" Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen.

We Did It!

Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, give the Lord a hallelujah shout and celebrate the fact that you took ownership on the development of becoming a more Godly woman. Throughout this study many life-changing topics were introduces to us. Some of them made us cringe knowing we must do better, then there were many “ah-hah” moments that altered your thought process and actions. There is nothing God wants more than for us to walk in the fullness of who He created us to be.

We are meeting one last time (Saturday, April 26) to celebrate, not the end, but the beginning of a transformed and prosperous life.

 

Ladies, I again salute you and I am excited to see the transformation continue.

Blessings and peace to you, Proverb 31 woman. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuZv909KU9g

A Pep Talk From God – Joshua 1:8-9

Let’s face it, we have all been there before; facing a daunting task, confronted with making an important decision or charged to walk blindly by our faith. “How on God’s green earth am I supposed to do this?” You ask yourself, then you begin to find every excuse in the book why you can’t, not realizing that greatness is really inside of you!

In this scripture we find Joshua on the brinks of walking in his God-ordained purpose. Through his obedience he has been given the opportunity to change the life course of the Israelites for generations to come. But what is standing in his way?? The thought that he has to accomplish this gigantic mission alone. As if the same God that delivered them from the chains of Pharaoh, parted the red sea and kept them during the years in the wilderness is out of power, out of protection and lacking provision. As children of God, He assures us countless times throughout His word that he will not leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), greater is he that is within us (1 John 4:4) and right here in Joshua he tells him a few simple, but profound words…”BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS for I am with you WHEREVER you go.” Did you catch that…WHEREVER we go! If that doesn’t give you confidence, I don’t know what will. There is something special that happens when we read God’s word and a fresh breath of air literally falls on our spirit and we are renewed with inner strength. The fact of the matter is, God doesn’t want us to do anything in our own might, but through the might of God. This is how we can gain full confidence to face our fears and move forward.

Every now and again we need the confirming words from the Lord or a fellow believer to shift our focus and help us to understand that we are not in this thing alone, but we have an almighty and all-knowing God that has forecasted our future and it looks pretty darn good. Our job now becomes to trust in His word and act in obedience. After all, every great player in history needed a good ole pep talk and you are no different. #yougotthis #shereadstruth

Psalm 130- A Story of Patience and Hope

Psalm 130 speaks two messages loud and clear, PATIENCE and HOPE. I don’t know about you, but I have had plenty of times where I was unsure and felt like there was nothing I could do but WAIT and see. But here is the good news, we are not waiting on ourselves, a friend or some politician to come in. We are waiting on a mighty, powerful and all-knowing God. This reminder should help you to wait in peace.

While we wait, I encourage you to wait with hope and expectancy. The Lord will come in with his lovingkindess and redemptive power to blow our socks off. In the waiting period we may become impatient, and try to find a solution on our own…remember Sara and Hagar?? This is not what our God wants us to do, He wants us to wait in faith with expectancy that He will deliver. Just take a second to remember your past victories, the points of redemption from the pits that were so deep they left you in despair and tears. The part I love the most about Psalm 130 is the promise at the end, “And He WILL redeem Israel from all his iniquities”. Beloved sister, there is no sin, no past mistake that the Lord isn’t willing to wash away. So here is the hope you can rejoice in today. Our God is a God full or mercy and grace…He WILL redeem!
#shereadstruth

Don't Stop Now...30 Days To Go!

Hi Ladies,

January 6 was a long time ago. It was the day we embarked on a journey to become the women God wants us to be. As any journey, there are times of mountain peaks and valleys. Those who win in life are the ones that are able to perservere through the pain, take care of business when you do and dont feel like it.

So, here we are at Day 60, with just 30 more to go. Don't give up now, continue with your TAG, discover your hidden potential and begin to deal with the areas that need growth. You are an action step away from greatness, after all that is what God created you for!! Jeremiah 29:11

Next Gathering:
Saturday, March 22 @ 10am
3903 Braodway Room 202 Oakland, CA

God Has Given Us The Power To Get Wealth

Warm Greetings Sisters,

I truly appreciated the author's exploration of the Proverb 31 woman's enterprise last week, it definitely lite up my entrepreneur spirits!!! Currently, I do operate an event planning company, but I've been encouraged to take it to the next level and explore other ways to leverage my gifts.

There are so many opportunities out there ladies to add to our pocket book. I want you to do something RIGHT NOW, take an inventory of your skills and talents. I bet there is something on that list you can get paid for. Whether you have creative writing skills, and you can offer services to write cover letters, or bios for people. Or, you have a creative way to teach children how to read, turn it into a curriculm or Youtube video and market it to parents. Maybe you have the gift of baking or mixing ingredients together to make a remarkable product? That is exactly how Carol's Dughter got started (read her story here).

Bottom line, as women we have many responsibilities, why not position yourself for financial freedon, to leave an inhertiance to your children's children (Proverbs 13:22). We live in America, the place of free enterprise. There are several program that target women and minority business owners, in helping them start businesses (see list below). I challenge you today, out of the five different ways to earn extra income, select one to explore.

REMEBER.."I can do ALL things through Christ, which strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

Resources
SBA
SCORE
National Miority Supplier Council

Where The Rubber Meets The Road

This week in reading I felt a bit challenged, and I hope you were too. I believe, this is where the rubber will meet the road. Do you REALLY want to become the woman God wants you to be? Will you be willing to do what the average woman wouldn't so your life will transform before your eyes? At this juncture, only those that are committed, diligent and willing to sacrifice will receive great revelation and intimacy with God, in turn seeing major transformation in your life.

In this week's video , I share a testimony about giving, my experience using the "Daily Page"  and challenge us to GIVE AWAY ALL WE CAN.

Please start cleaning out your closets, car and cabinets then box up your items. We are identifying an agency where, as a ministry we can donate and bless someone. What are you willing to live without to bless someone else?

I'm peaking into the future and you look much better than you do now!!!

God's Best,

Lady Jenn

Week 4: Strengthening Your Body

Hello to all my strong armed, lacking nothing in value, and culinary queens!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnNgfdNMuss&feature=em-upload_owner

Here we are at day 25!!! Psychologist say it takes 21 days to establish a habit, and this truly is holding true for me. Following my morning and evening routines have made my days less stressful and more purposefully. I wake up looking forward to my very special TAG, it has taken our relationship to another level. This week's video I am encouraging the following:

-Be intentional about you becoming the woman God wants to you to be. Be intentional about spending time in His word and not just glancing over the passage each day. I highly recommend reading it 4-5 times so it really gets into your spirit and ask God for revelation.

- Adopt at least one idea the author introduces. For me, starting my day with warm water and lemon is something I have adopted. For you it may be getting a prayer partner or starting walking 2-3 days a week. Use part of your lunch break to go on a prayer walk.

-SAVE THE DATE: February 22 @10am 3903 Broadway, Oakland, CA Room 202
I have a special guest Zumba instructor coming and we are going to get it in after our discussion and group activities. Please consider bringing a donation of $10 which will be given to Acts Kings School, an all-boy Christian preschool dedicated to training up the next generation of Kings that will lead our families and communities (Jaylen and Darius go there :).

I pray that as you are being intentional about becoming the woman God wants you to be that issues in life wont fluster you, but push you towards destiny, that you know God in a greater way and your relationship with Him goes to the next level.

To God Be The Glory!!!!

-Lady Jenn

Week 3...Let's Get Together

Today marks Day 18 in our journey towards living a Proverbs 31 Life!!! I hope you have found yourselves spending more time with God, being selective in what you do eat, and remaining watchful to what God is saying and doing.

Let's come together this Saturday, January 25 @10-11:45pm 3903 Broadway Oakland, CA 2nd Floor Room 202 for great discussion, interactive activities and encouraging fellowship. We have some amazing women that are a part of this study group and I can't wait until we get together.

Lastly, please celebrate with New Life this weekend as we turn 1!!!

Week Two...Working, Sleeping or Praying?

It has almost been two complete weeks since we've begun this some what unknown journey. I have been pleasantly surprised by every subject and some of them I needed to be exposed in order to become a better woman. So this week, the two things really hit home for me; Day 10 (Devoting Yourself To Prayer) and Day 12 (Be Diligent).

If I had to pick a weapon to represent prayer I would choose a bazooka, for two reasons, because it can literally blow some stuff up and you have to kneel to use it. Prayer is a powerful weapon, that has the ability to alter our lives and those around us. The only thing is...WE HAVE TO USE IT! It is my hope that we all become so comfortable praying that it becomes second nature. When we see destruction, hopelessness or anything contrary to God's word our first reaction should be to invite God into the situation with a prayer. Would if I told you there are some things God has allowed you to witness, because He has trusted you to intervene via prayer. This is how heavenly intervention happens on our behalf. Yes, some prayers take longer than other to be answered, but this is where "praying in faith" comes in. God has always been moved by a person's faith, we come to know Him by faith. I LOVED the quote from the author, "when we work, we work. But when we pray, God works." I don't know about you but I can list three people in my life right now that I have tried my best to encourage to do the right thing with no avail. Rereading that quote has inspired me to continue in prayer for them and watch GOD work.

(What areas do you need to stop working and start praying??) 

Lastly, if you know me, you know I looooooooove my beauty rest. On the same token, I am a night owl, so it hard for me to get up willingly each morning. The entire year of 2013 I told myself "Jennifer, you are going to beat the sun getting up, you are going to spend some QT with the God you proclaim to be so awesome THEN you will start your day." And to tell the whole truth, I think I accomplished that two days out of each week. So when we read Day 12...I knew it was a divine wake up call once again to get myself together in this area. There was not a morning in which I followed the plan and didn't have a productive and stress-free day. Whenever you struggle this  hard in an area as such, I highly recommend you getting an accountability partner. Someone who is going to remind you about the story of the ant, and how you've got too much to loose. So if you do not have one...GET ONE! :) The word of God says it best in Matthew 6:33 as we align ourselves with how God wants things done, there is not a care in the world we would have.

This journey is about God-discovery and learning the adjustments we need to make in life so we can become the Godly women He has created us to be. I am committing daily to maintain a lifestyle of prayer, where all my cares are being cast on the Lord, I patiently listening for His direction and I'm making the necessary adjustments so He is the first one who gets a piece of me each day.

What changes are you adopting? Please share

Continue to be blessed my sisters and I'll see you at our first gathering on Saturday, January 25 @ 10am-noon (location still TBA)

-Lady Jenn

Hello you virtuous and noble woman!!

I pray these first few days have allowed you to peak into the future to see that woman God wants you to be. Have you enjoyed waking early or staying up late to spend some quality time with the Lord? It feels so good to be in the word every morning and then praying to Him. I AM worth far more than rubies and so are you! Isn't that awesome to know that is how God sees us?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to see myself at the end of this 90 days. How much scripture I have hidden in my heart, better understanding my worth and value. God is just simply amazing.

So, lets start the conversation:

1. What do you think about God being your "Heavenly Husband"?
2. What has been working for you in terms of scheduling so you can spend that quality time with God?
3. What is your scripture of choice for meditation?

Here is a video on my thoughts and discoveries for the week. Again, my prayer is that this study draws you closer to God and that layers begin to fall off of you and reveal the woman God wants you to be.

God's Best,

Lady Jenn

 

Are You Ready?

Listen up for what's to come..."A Journey Towards A Proverbs 31 Life"